Which place is cheaper, Riga or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Riga?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Riga can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Riga?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesRiga Prices
Latvia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Riga $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Riga is $142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zanzibar and Riga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Riga $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Riga $120
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Riga
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Riga? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Riga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Riga $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer Anywhere: $12
- Airport and Hotels Transfers: $15
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers Pickup and Drop off/departure: $20
- Zanzibar Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
- Abeid Amani Karume Airport Pick-Up & Hotel Transfer in Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer to/from Hotel: $20
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minibus: $124
- Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $124
- Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minivan: $53
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $72
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $164
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $563
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $503
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $468
- Jurmala Airport Transfer service and Riga - Jurmala transfers: $65
- Private Transfer from Riga Cruise Port to Riga Airport (RIX): $59
- Private Transfer from Riga International Airport RIX to Riga City: $38
- Private Transfer from Riga to Baltics: $266
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Riga?
Prices for flights to both Riga and Zanzibar change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayZanzibar $28Riga $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
- Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- Zanzibar Spice & Night Market: Cooking & Street Food Tour: $80
- Cooking Class Tour: $90
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
- Private Dinner on Sandbank in Zanzibar: $150
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
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Fast Food Lunch$6.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Central Market Traditional Food Tour in a Small Group: $41
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $53
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $70
- Exclusive Igloo for Lunches, Dinners and Events: $71
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $129
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $129
- Latvian Art Museum, Dinner, and Black Balsam Tasting: $210
- Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $249
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $252
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Riga $16
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $13
- Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $16
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $18
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour Experience: $18
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $19
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- City tours zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Daily Karibu Assalam Tour: $20
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- Canal Boat Tour with Welcome Drink & Audio Guide: $8.21
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $8.21
- Medieval Quest Experience: $8.27
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.38
- Old Town Electrobus Tour + Audio Guide & Drink: $9.38
- Evening or Sunset Boat Tour with Welcome Drink: $10
- Rowing boats and Pedal boat rental - River Cruises Latvia: $11
- Riga Panorama trip – Golden Autumn | River Cruises Latvia: $11
- Riga Golden Autumn Canal & River Cruise | River Cruises LV: $11
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- Old Riga Walking Tour: Legends & Hidden Gems, 1 hour: $12
- Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour With Audio guide: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Riga $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $21
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl in Riga: $36
- Riga Pub Crawl: $41
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $47
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $52
- Latvian Brewery Visit and Beer Tasting: $53
- Prosecco Bike & Pub Crawl: $65
- Riga Brewery Tour: $76
- Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $94
- Riga Sip and Paint Experience with Latvian Wine Tasting: $101
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Riga, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa and Riga is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga than you might in Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Riga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Riga?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Riga, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar or Riga?
Riga has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Zanzibar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Riga in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Riga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Riga fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Riga. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Riga receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Riga 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Riga in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Riga. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Riga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Riga fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Riga. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Riga receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Riga 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Riga in the Winter?
Both Riga and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Riga can be very cold. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Riga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Riga averages at about -5°C (23°F).
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Riga. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Riga receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Riga -5°C (23°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Riga in the Spring?
Both Riga and Zanzibar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Riga. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Riga fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Riga. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Riga receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Riga 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Riga and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Riga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.